The evening started out with Santana playing and semi-conducting the band through “Spark of the Divine / Sun Ra” a kind of Mahavishnu Orchestra meets Edgar Varese sounding number that served as the intro for “Back in Black”. Yes, I said “Back in Black”, the same AC-DC monster hit from 1980 which is featured along with other R&R classics on Santana’s latest release Guitar Heaven, The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time.

The first three songs from the multi-platinum album Abraxas were featured next. ‘Singing Winds, Crying Beasts’ segued into the mega hit ”Black Magic Woman” which in turn segued into the Tito Puente penned, “Oye Como Va”. These three numbers really set the Santana hook into the crowd for the rest of the night.

Santana’s guitar playing has not wavered over the years and his ability to routinely recreate himself musically to fit the times is uncanny. As an example, the next song, “Maria, Maria”, recorded with hip hoppers The Product G&B, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for ten weeks on April 8, 2000. At the 2000 Grammy Awards, the song won him a Grammy.

The samba infused “Foo Foo” may have been the party song of the night. No one stood still for this one. From the front row to the top of the hill the crowd pulsated in unison to the infectious beat.

As the evening progressed, Santana guided his band through an incredible array of new and old music. From classics like “Jingo” and “Evil Ways” to the Cream standard “Sunshine of Your Love” from his latest release.

Michael Franti, who opened the show with his band Spearhead, joined Santana for “Africa in Your Veins” and “Rockin’ after Midnight”.

The final song of the set was Santana’s mega hit “Smooth”’ from his Super Natural release in 1999.

The first encore number was “Soul Sacrifice” featuring Dennis Chambers soloing on a killer drum performance reminiscent of Santana’s iconic Woodstock appearance. The final two encore tunes, “Bridegroom / Into the Night” and “Love, Peace and Happiness” finished up this amazing show.

Santana’s performance was epic. His enthusiastic and spiritual approach to music and life in general have kept him on top of his game for over forty years now and he keeps moving ahead with no slowing down…VIVA SANTANA!!!